From the Story Bank: Shelby’s Story

"I had to take FMLA that was not only unpaid, it counted as an employment disciplinary action. Having to take time off unpaid was an enormous financial burden for me. After not paying rent and utilities it took me four months to only partly get caught up with bills."

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Receives Paid Sick Days or Has Access to Paid Family Leave

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I’m a mother of two daughters and a grandmother of two. I’m also a care giver for a parent. I have worked as a security officer for four years, however this industry does not pay well. As a woman working a low wage job, it can be a struggle to make it paycheck to paycheck.

Last year my youngest daughter became very ill. During the same time my parent needed immediate medical attention. In order to provide the care my family needed I had to take FMLA that was not only unpaid, it counted as an employment disciplinary action. Having to take time off unpaid was an enormous financial burden for me. After not paying rent and utilities it took me four months to only partly get caught up with bills. Although FMLA is great and I was able to keep my job, having paid family and medical leave is necessary now and for the future for our families.